Treatment For Shellfish Allergy Symptoms

A lot of people think of shellfish as a scrumptious and nontoxic seafood. However, they do not realize that shellfish is actually one of the most common food allergens that can produce varying symptoms to allergic people. After eating a certain variety of seafood or shellfish, those who are sensitive to them start to have a hypersensitivity response from their immune system that results to an inflammatory effect. The contact of the allergen and the bodies cause the discharge of specific antibodies identified as immunoglobulin E to counterbalance the allergens. The antibodies then stick to the supplementary types of immune cells such as the mast cells and basophils that cause the complete inflammation response.

The elicited cells undergo the course known as degranulation. In reality, the cells eject a chemical mediator identified as histamine along with other inflammatory mediators that precipitate systemic vasodilation effects that let straightforward passage of blood the involved site, mucous secretion formed from the growth of exudates while fighting the allergen, nerve stimulation and muscle contraction. Recognizing the immune responses that happen in the body is essential to present people with rationale on why these symptoms occur. This inflammatory reaction can cause itching of the skin in various body parts. Scratching of the itchy part may or may not relieve the condition. Too much scratching of the affected sites can result into hives or urticaria.

Usually, the other symptom experiences are nasal congestion caused by mucous production, enlargement of the face (lips, cheeks, eyes, and ears) due to the vasodilation and augmented circulation of blood in the affected parts. Moreover, nausea and vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea may eventually occur because the intake of the allergens can cause greater peristaltic movement in the intestinal track. Even if the mild symptoms can plainly be managed by some non-prescription medications, the prevalence of severe symptoms can demand the expertise of a medical doctor. All allergic responses are manageable when these involve the exterior body parts. On the other hand, it is a different situation when there is airway obstruction and difficulty of breathing. Instantly ask for assistance and get that individual rushed to the nearest hospital.

Epinephrine should right away be offered to hastily improve the immune reaction to shellfish allergy symptoms. Afterward, the individual might have to be hospitalized for a day or two. If you have had an allergic reaction to a certain allergen, it is advisable to get in touch with a doctor. A specialist may require you to do desensitization. In desensitization, the person exposes himself to a lesser degree of allergens which is just enough to trigger an immune reaction but not plenty to activate the hypersensitivity reaction. The course of habitually taking in small amounts of allergens can shortly generate immunity that can stop the inflammatory response.